The Noblesville Fireworks Festival will offer free shuttle routes throughout and after the event to assist guests in getting to its new location in Forest Park from designated off-site parking lots. The Noblesville Fireworks Festival, presented by IDI Composites International, is 4 to 10 p.m. Thursday, July 4. The firework show will begin at 10 p.m. from the Forest Park Golf Course.
Only handicap parking will be available on marked spaces along Cicero Road. Proper tags must be displayed to be able to park in this area while spaces are available. Forest Park Aquatic Center and parking will be open for normal business.
“Limiting the parking spaces was necessary for public safety. With so many activities and people walking around the park and on the road, we need to make sure it is safe for all of our guests and their children,” said Mike Hoffmeister, festival co-chairman.
A map of the trolley routes and park festivities has been created to help guests plan where to park and what attractions they will want to visit during the festival. Shuttle routes will drop-off and pick-up guests at the two ends of the park and include multiple stops in designated parking lots.
East Route
Stops include North Elementary, Ivy Tech Community College, First United Methodist Church and Evans Street at 10th Street. The trolley will drop-off guests near the main stage on the north entrance of Forest Park (near Field Drive).
South Route
Stops include Riverview Health, the Riverview Overflow Lot and the Hamilton County Government Employee Lot off Conner Street. The trolley will drop-off guests near the Kids Zone on the south entrance of Forest Park (from State Road 19).
“Trolley rides will run continuously throughout the festival. Following the fireworks, Noblesville Schools’ buses will be added to the routes to assist guests leaving the park as quick as possible,” Hoffmeister said.
Those attending the festival should know that Noblesville High School and East Middle School parking lots are currently under construction and parking will not be available to the public during the Fourth of July festivities. All downtown public lots will be available and free to park in on the holiday.
“We are encouraging guests to utilize the numerous downtown parking lots and on street parking and walk to the festival using the pedestrian bridge across the White River or State Road 19,” said Hoffmeister. “Due to their proximity, Federal Hill Commons and the Moose Lodge will be park and walk lots.”
Starting at 4 p.m., State Road 19 will be closed from Field Drive to Logan Street. This was recommended by the Indiana State Police and local law enforcement to provide safe passage of walkers from nearby parking. Vehicles will be detoured around the event site.
Schwartz’s Bait and Tackle and U-Haul rental at 118 Cicero Road will be open for business during the closure. Their parking lot is for customers only and violators may be towed away.
In preparation of the event and to allow vendors, barricades and activities to be setup safely and without obstruction, the city will restrict parking within Forest Park prior to the festival start time. Beginning at noon on July 4, vehicles parked throughout Forest Park, other than the Aquatic Center lot, will be towed away at the owner’s expense.
“We think the minor inconvenience of walking a little further than what we’re accustomed to at the high school will be worth it to Noblesville families when they experience all that the expanded festival has to offer in its new location. Although it will be a little more walking, we are providing shuttles to help with the extra distance,” Hoffmeister said.